Abstract: A retaining wall system includes a plurality of large mass retaining blocks formed with vertically oriented openings passing therethrough for the installation of micro-pile soldier piles. The retaining blocks can be formed of pre-cast concrete and stacked vertically so that the vertical openings are aligned for the installation of micro-pile soldier piles through the stacked retaining blocks and into the bedrock below the retaining blocks. The micro-pile soldier piles can include a steel casing that is installed through the aligned vertical openings to terminate at the bedrock with grout filling the steel casing except for optional reinforcement. The retaining blocks can be formed with cutout key openings that allow concrete to be inserted to provide a key interlock between adjacent retaining blocks to further stabilize the retaining wall. The retaining wall can also include a row of waler blocks that incorporate a pair of tie-back anchors for each waler block.

Abstract: A training grip that can be installed onto a tennis racquet handle for positioning a tennis player's hand or hands correctly on the racquet to teach or train the player individual tennis strokes. The training grip is adapted to be easily and removably installed onto the eight-sided handle of a tennis racquet directly over an existing grip that is permanently affixed to the racquet. The training grip is an elongated cup having a slit that runs lengthwise from the first end of the grip to the opposing second end of the grip and through the bottom of the grip through which the grip may be installed onto the racquet handle. The outer surface of the grip is molded to have ridges and depressions creating contours for receiving and positioning the player's fingers and thumbs of the player's hand or hands.

Abstract: A device that holds a mouse pad and provides a second elevation or surface above the pad for another object such as a book or work papers in order to make better use of space on a desk. The device is preferably made of a single segment of material folded in three places to form and separate the two elevations and provide a lip for the upper elevation which is sloped so that the object on that elevation can be more easily seen. The device has a hole for a cable from the mouse on the mouse pad to pass through to the computer and may have a recess dimensioned for the mouse pad. Alternatively, an adhesive may be provided so that the mouse pad does not slip from the lower elevation. Small friction pads are placed on the underside of the lower level to prevent the device from slipping from the desk surface.